Is Crab Halal or Haram to eat?
The short answer to this question is it depends. There are a set of rules that Muslims must follow in order to eat halal food. To be halal, all animals on the list of permissible and prohibited animals must be slaughtered in the proper manner with the right side facing Mecca. Some crabs are listed as being haram based on their specific physical appearance such as having claws or two sets of claws instead of one set.
Crab is found on some lists of haram food products that has the appearance of two sets of legs with a joint in the middle. The crab also has claws that are attached to its legs, which means they cannot be detached. Other species of crabs have two sets of legs without a joint in the middle. These crabs can easily be separated from their claws if they are cooked and properly prepared. Based on the physical appearance of the crab, it is haram to eat.
While the actual origin is not known about this halal and haram food list, it has been around since the 7th century or earlier due to several sources. Muslims have continued to agree that it must be a reliable source for making sure what is being consumed is halal. It must conform to Islamic standards whether it be human or an animal. It is important for Muslims to know where the food is coming from and any additives that are included.
There is plenty of controversy about this halal and haram list, as well as information about other foods. Many people believe that the list should not be followed strictly because it does not have a consistent source and origin.
So, are crabs halal? It depends on which type of crab and the method of killing your crab, if you have it or buy it. Crab meat is haram if the crab looks like it has a second set of feet they can detach to walk away from their shell.
There are other species of crabs that do not have claws and have no joint in the middle of their legs that can easily be separated from their claws. These types of crabs are halal to eat if they are sold or you purchased them.
Why are crabs both haram and halal?
It all has to do with the physical appearance of the animal and how they are killed. It can differ and be a bit confusing. The most important thing is to know your source for food.
Your halal food must come from a reliable source and if you are unsure, you can contact your imam to confirm whether it is halal or haram. If you have any questions about the food you are eating, be sure to ask your imam or a local Muslim who has knowledge in the field to help answer your questions.
Are crab claws halal?
It depends on the physical appearance of the crab that has claws. If they have two sets of legs with a joint in the middle, you may not be able to separate the claws from the crab without cutting it apart. If that is the case, then consumption is haram because the crab was killed using haram techniques.
Are there any Muslims that believe crabs are halal?
Some Muslims do believe that crabs are halal, but they are mostly from the Sunni sect.
Sunni Muslims do believe that crabs are halal since they have no set of legs they can walk away from their shell. The crab looks like it has a palm with five little fingers on the bottom of its shell. They believe this is an indicator the crab can’t be broken in half and killed easily.
Is crab halal Shia?
You will find that the Shia sect does not eat crab. This stems from a belief that even though the crab looks like it has five little fingers on the bottom of its shell, it is still capable of walking and scurrying around in its shell.
Even though this is not common practice, we have heard from some individuals who were born into a Shia family that they do believe crabs are halal. The majority of Shias are not for eating crab due to their belief system.
Is crab halal Hanafi?
There is a sect of the Hanafi school of thought that believes that crabs are halal. Some people may have been told by their families to eat crabs or their ancestors had eaten them in the past. We have heard from some people who were born into a Hanafi family who do believe that crabs are halal.
Is crab halal Sunniyah?
The Sunni branch of Islam also accepts that crab can be halal for consumption. However, the vast majority of the Sunni world follows the Hanafi school of thought that believes that crabs are not halal to consume. The question is does the Shi’ah School of Thought also believe that crab is halal or is it a matter based on individual opinion?
Conclusion: Is Eating Crabs Halal or Haram?
The real answer is that it is neither Haram to eat Crabs nor Halal to cook, eat or serve them.
Some people say that Crabs are Haram while others say that they are Halal; both opinions are incorrect.
There is no Quranic verse prohibiting the eating of crabs (Najis) or requiring Muslims to abstain from eating them; Allah Almighty has not even prohibited Muslims from purchasing the crabs and cooking them. (Note: The Muslims may purchase and eat this species of crab without any difficulty).
This is because the Qur’an only states “The Shaitan [Satan] has impressed on the minds of people that they should do evil deeds.” [2:205]
So, Muslims are allowed to eat all seafood as long as they are not haram. Some species of crabs contain thalassemia (a hereditary blood disorder) where they have more than the normal number of haemoglobin cells in their blood.
Comments from our readers…
“Crabs are haram because of their second pair of legs. At least that’s what I’ve been told so.” – Hammad
“Crabs are halal if you took the legs off. I find it hard to eat them hand as they have too many legs. If I have to give it a name, then it’s crab fingers.” – Alsya
“Crabs are halal because there feet are removed and they don’t have claws. Plus they’re cooked properly.” – Hammad
“They are Halal as long as you know where the crab came from. I don’t eat crabs but I know that they are halal.” – Dr. Al-Bataa
“They are not properly cooked or not properly prepared. The meat on its back legs could be also haram.” – Alim
“Crabs are Haram as they don’t have claws enzymes in their bodies.” – Anonymous
